Serving the Lord in whom all things hold together, we support sound education in our communities, and we foster schools and teaching in which God’s truth shines in all learning.
All students, without regard to abilities, race, or wealth, bear God’s image and deserve an education that helps them use their gifts fully.

For the importance of education, see Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Proverbs 4:1-9; for the need for God’s light, Psalm 119:105; for the central place of Christ, Colossians 1:17; for equal acceptance, James 2:1-13.

Our work is a calling from God. We work for more than wages and manage for more than profit so that mutual respect and the just use of goods and skills may shape the workplace. While we earn or profit, we love our neighbors by providing useful products and services. In our global economy we advocate meaningful work and fair wages for all. Out of the Lord’s generosity to us,
we give freely and gladly of our money and time.

For the place of work, see Genesis 2:15, Exodus 20:9, Ephesians 6:5-9, and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; for justice in the workplace, Ezekiel 34 and James 5:1-5; for generosity, 2 Corinthians 9 and 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12.

Rest and leisure are gifts from God that relax us and set us free to discover and to explore.
But we confess that often our addiction to busyness allows our tools and toys to invade our rest
and that an internet world with its temptations distorts our leisure. Reminding each other that
our Maker rested and gave us rest, we seek to rest more trustingly and to entertain ourselves more simply.

For rest, see Genesis 2:2-3 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15; for the discriminating use of leisure, Philippians 4:8-9 and Ephesians 4:17-32.

Grateful for advances in science and technology, we participate in their development,
fostering care for creation and respect for the gift of life. We welcome discoveries that prevent or cure diseases and that help support healthy lives. We respect embryonic life, approaching each new discovery, whether of science or of medical technique, with careful thought, seeking the will of God.

In Genesis 1:28-31 and 9:1-7, God gives to humanity the right and responsibility to develop and care for creation; for a reflection on the limitations of human technology and need for divine wisdom, see Job 28; for the continuing goodness of creation and the need for a prayerful approach to what we use of it, see 1 Timothy 4:4-5.

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We lament that our abuse of creation has brought lasting damage to the world we have been given: polluting streams and soil, poisoning the air, altering the climate, and damaging the earth. We commit ourselves to honor all God’s creatures and to protect them from abuse and extinction,
for our world belongs to God.

Genesis 1:28-29; 7:1-5; Psalm 8; and Romans 8:18-25 teach that we are entrusted with caring for the earth.

Confession: Parable of the Talents

Here’s a prayer of confession based on Matthew 25: 14-30. It was written by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild and posted on his Kir-shalom website. 

Prayer of Confession

(based on Matthew 25: 14-30)

Lord God, we confess to you our sin: those things which have

hurt others and which have offended thee.

Forgive us for not investing your gifts wisely.  We have been

negligent with the time and energy you give us – often

spending it all on ourselves while others have had to do more

than their share of helping and caring.

…………… (silent prayer) ……………

We confess, O Lord, that through fear, greed, or ignorance,

we have not always used in a faithful and responsible manner

the wealth you give us.

Forgive us for being satisfied with sharing so little with

those who are in need, while spending so much, not only on

our needs, but also on our desires.

…………… (silent prayer) ……………

We confess, O Lord, that we are prone to forget the purpose

behind what you do for us.   We forget that you judge us by

what we do with your gifts.

Forgive us for when we have buried the talents and failed to

work with all the things you give us.

Gracious God – forgive us.

Touch us and make us whole.  Amen

— copyright © Rev. Richard J. Fairchild, and posted on his Kir-Shalomwebsite.